1997 Clio 1.4 RT (Renault Clio (1991-98))

Member Name: benedwards64

Product:	Renault Clio (1991-98)
Date:	08/03/09 (238 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Comfortable, practical, cheap to run, surprisingly refined.

Disadvantages: Wallowy handling, suspect build quality

Background:
I bought my 1997 1.4 RT 3-door in 2005 with 60k miles on the clock. I owned it until 2008, when it was sold with 96k miles. It had one previous owner, full dealer service history, and was immaculate when I bought it and when I sold it.

Equipment:
The RT comes with Electric windows, electric mirrors, electric sunroof, power steering, body coloured bumpers, front fog lights, driver's airbag, seatbelt pretensioners, six-speaker stereo with steering-wheel controls and remote central locking/immobiliser.

Interior:
The interior is a pleasant enough place to be, if a little unispiring. There is plenty of storage space, the controls are well positioned and the dials are easy to read and well thought-out. The seats are very adjustable, and manage to be both supportive and very confortable, although the driving position is a little odd, seeming to favour a 'sit up and beg' position. There is plenty of space for five adults, with ample legroom in the backm although headroom is a problem for taller passengers. The boot is surprisingly large and the rear 60/40 seats fold flat. The six-speaker stereo is very good quality for the class and the steering-wheel controls are nice and user-friendly.
On the whole the interior is very well thought-out, with nice little touches such as the interior light staying on for a few seconds after you shut the door. There are, however, some issues, such as the tendency for the front seats to come down on top of the seatbelt plugs after letting someone into the back (on a three-door model).

Exterior:
The Clio is a good-looking, if slightly plain, car. The colour-coding and front fogs really set it off, although the cheap wheeltrims leave a lot to be desired. The durability is excellent - mine had no rust at all when I sold it, and the bright red paintwork had not faded or blemished at all, despite living outdoors all its life. The Phase 3 headlamps and bumpers updated the look of the MK1 clio nicely.

Mechanical:
The RT has a 1390cc 8valve engine that develops 75bhp. It is willing and smooth revving, if not exactly blistering, and goes very well with the long-ratio 5-speed gearbox. The gearbox itself is slick, although the clutch is stiff and quite heavy, and the brakes are firm and full of feedback but do have a tendency to lock up quite easily. The steering light enough for town, but has enough weight for faster driving as well.

Driving:
As said, the Clio isn't the fastes car in its class, nor is the handling very sharp. However, the long-ratio 'box and supple ride make for a surprisingly capable motorway cruiser, whilst the direct steering makes for a car that is enjoyably chuckable in the corners. The engine pulls nicely, and the car is nice and refined at motorway speeds, with minimal road and wind noise compared to similar small cars.
Visibility is very good all-round, and parking would be a doddle if it wasn't for the surprisingly poor turning circle and stiff clutch.

Reliability:
Like many French cars, the build quality is a little suspect. Most of the mechanicals and interior are pretty sturdy, but mine suffered from the common leaking sunroof, which let water into the interior light and shorted out the immobiliser switch, leaving me unable to start the car. It also had an insatiable appetite for front wheel bearings (I went through three sets!) and various electrical niggles that seemed to come and go at random. There were no other on-going issues, but I had a string of small things that needed attention - I don't think mine lasted more than three months at once without something going wrong.

Running costs:
Insurance is reasonable, the model I had is group six, and tax is £120 a year. I consistently got 300 miles to a tank. Service parts are hideously expensive from Renault, although there is a wide variety of pattern and second-hand parts available and it is relatively easy to work on for the DIY mechanic, if a little cramped in the engine bay.

Overview:
If you can live with the niggly faults and trips to the garage, this is a great little car for the money. Resale values are strong as they are popular with young drivers - I sold mine for £950, £50 less than I had bought it for three years previously. It is certainly one of the best cars in its class. I still miss mine.

Summary: An excellent supermini that has aged well and stands up well to its competitors.

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